Sermons Based on the Lectionary of the Church

Easter Message

by H.G. Mathews Mar Eppiphanios

Beloved in risen Christ,

Jesus Christ rose from the tomb on the third day as was predicted by Him.
The disciples were much worried at the fate of their Master. They were
scattered. Only a few people stood at the foot of the cross. Joseph and
Nicodemos were bold enough to burry the body of Jesus. The angel of God
appeared at the time of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem. Poor shepherds were
favored to hear the words of the angel “d o not be afraid, for behold, I
bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there
is born to you this day in the city of David a savior, who is Christ the
Lord, This will be the sign to you, You will find a Babe wrapped in
swaddling cloths lying in a manger” In the same way the poor ladies who went
to the sepulcher early in the morning were favored with good tiding. Though
they could not find the body of Jesus, and were perplexed. They saw two
men sitting in shining garments” why do you seek the living among the dead?”
they asked. “He is not here; he is risen”. The shepherds found the child
wrapped in swaddling cloths and returned to their job. They praised the Lord
and witnessed to others about their experience. Similarly the women were
convinced about the resurrection and witnessed to the Apostles about what
they heard and believed. The wise men from the east entered Herod’s palace
to see the king of the Jews. Actually they were seeking the living among the
dead. They could see the living only with the guidance of the star.

The message of Easter is the good tidings. Jesus is risen. It is a good news
for the whole world. It proclaims Jesus’ victory over death. It is the
victory of all those who accept the good news. It is the victory of Jesus,
over the power of Satan. True believers share the benefit. Jesus came down
to take away the sin of the world. He has risen from the dead to take us
back to heaven; the news of the resurrection of Jesus gladdened the
disciples who were sorry for their Master’s apparent disaster. The sorrowful
experience on Friday gave way to gladness and hope on Sunday. The angels
adored their Lord. The disciples joined the heavenly host in praising the
risen Lord. Let us join the innocent shepherds in praising the child of
Bethlehem. May the heavenly host prompt us to adore the risen Lord because
He is the source of life and joy to all. May God fill your hearts with the
peace and love and Easter. God bless everyone.